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MG MGA - Antifreeze

Just read an article in Practical Classics saying we should not use modern ortange antifreeze in older cars but only blue ethylene glycol guess Bluecol. Any comments?
H L Davy

I've got the pink O.A.T. stuff in the MGA and my series III Land Rover, no problems yet, but it's only been in for about 3 years. I also use distilled water (from our de-humidifier) in the cooling systems, as our tap water is very hard, and the coolant stays crystal-clear.
Lindsay Sampford

One thing that seems universally agreed is to never mix the 2 types.

There are some comments that one of the types can attack aluminium and water pump silicone-based seals. The only aloomin bit in MGA water system is the thermostat housing?



Steve
Steve Gyles

And the heater tap Steve. Modern engines are nearly all aluminium, so I wouldn't think it attacks that. I read somewhere that it was the solder in brass radiators that was in danger, but that sound far-fetched to me. As soon as I have a cooling system disolved by O.A.T. antifreeze I'll let everyone know!
Lindsay Sampford

Apparently it is the lead content in old solders that can be attacked, so radiators, carburettor floats, fuel pipe joints etc are supposedly at risk. It may be a long-term dissolving effect so we may not see symptoms for a while but then again, it could be another millennium bug couldn't it. Modern solders are lead-free so not vulnerable.

I'm not rushing to drain my systems but next time I flush and change the coolant I'll probably try to get some old-style blue.

There was an article in the Octagon CC bulletin, November 2010 issue, by Dr Edward Wright, Technical Manager, Comma Oil & Chemicals. Apparently their Comma Super Coldmaster is a traditional formula. Another letter also suggested Universal Antifreeze by Morris Oils, which is also formulated using "inorganic acid technology", which are the magic words that distinguish the old stuff from the new stuff, which is OAT (organic...etc).

www.commaoil.com
www.morrislubricants.co.uk

Malcolm
Malcolm Eades

Malcolm

I would certainly be getting worried if the antifreeze was affecting my carburettor floats and fuel pipe joints!

Steve
Steve Gyles

You mean I shouldn't put antifreeze in the petrol tank to stop it freezing Steve! Maybe that's why my engine has developed a mis-fire!
Lindsay Sampford

Steve & Lindsay,

Fair comment! I think I must be going snow crazy after 5 days looking at the stuff.

I was, of course, confusing the antifreeze issue with the fuel additive issue, for which apologies. Running a classic car can get pretty complicated these days.

Malcolm

Malcolm Eades

I bought my TR3B 2 years ago. Based on what my club members recommend, I use Prestone, distilled water, and Water Wetter. The thing that surprised me is that no one recommends 50:50 any more. Based on their recommendations, I am running 80:20.

Even back in the 1950s, my Dad was a metallurgical chemist, and he ran distilled water in his radiators. FWIW.

I have run it 18 years in my Miata's aluminum radiator, and the insides look like they did when the car was new. Heck, a gallon of distilled water is 80 cents!
G. A. Boley

You obviously don't encounter too much in the way of sub-zero temperature in Texas! If we tried that here, we would all have cracked blocks and burst radiators by now!
Lindsay Sampford

Nothing less than 50/50 for Chicago. 45% is good for -20dF, and we definitely get there occasionally. See mix and temperature chart here: http://www.waynesgarage.com/docs/engine_coolant.htm

Barney Gaylord

Barney

I can see why from the pictures we are getting from North America at the moment. Brilliant video of an ice-caked light house and building on the shore of Lake Erie.

Steve
Steve Gyles

This was the video shown on our BBC national news: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12006012

Steve
Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed between 03/12/2010 and 17/12/2010

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